Xbox Undergoes Massive Restructuring Amid Next-Gen Console Preparations
Microsoft's Xbox gaming division is undergoing a significant restructuring, which includes layoffs and changes to how its studios operate. According to an internal letter from chief content officer Matt Booty, the company will eliminate 268 roles across several studios, including Halo Studios, other first-party studios, and management functions. This move is part of a larger reset outlined earlier this year, when Microsoft laid off hundreds of employees and shed smaller studios.
The layoffs are not the only change taking place. Several studios will be reorganized, with Activision overseeing World's Edge, Rare, and the now-former Halo Studios. Meanwhile, Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian as it works on a new Fallout entry. Additionally, Microsoft Casual Games is being folded into King, while Playground and Turn 10 are combining forces to work on Forza and Fable.
The most notable change is handing Halo Studios over to Activision, which is best known for the Call of Duty series. This means that the next Halo game may incorporate some elements from CoD, potentially altering its gameplay and feel. However, it's also possible that this could signal the end of the Halo franchise as fans know it.
This shakeup comes ahead of the launch of Microsoft's next-generation console, Project Helix, which is expected to be a significant upgrade over current Xbox models. The company aims to position itself for success in the gaming market with these changes, but the move may also raise concerns among fans and investors about the future of beloved franchises.